Europe

French presidential elections: Macron must be bold to prevent another far-right challenge

Press release

Commenting on the victory of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election, Greens/EFA co-president Ska Keller says:

"The coming years have to be used to address the concerns of those who feel left behind. Unless Macron is bold in taking on social injustice, the likes of Le Pen will again seek to capitalise on people's disillusionment. The results of the legislative elections will be crucial in pushing Macron to be stronger on social and environmental protections.
 
"We will seek to put pressure on Macron, especially on climate change. He has an important role to play when it comes to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. But it’s not just Macron who has to deliver now. The other governments of Europe must be ready to change direction.
 
"Macron is right to question Germany's rigid economic dogma. The German government has to listen to its neighbours and do it’s part to restore collective spirit to the European project. They cannot close their eyes and ears to the economic and social problems that austerity has brought to large parts of Europe, but must work with Macron to create a new European spirit of solidarity."

 

More on topic Europe